COTTONWOOD: At the end of the Cottonwood Town Council Meeting, Mayor James Coachman resigned as Mayor. The announcement came with tears in his eyes. The reason for the resignation: health related issues.
James Coachman was in his first term as Mayor. He had served as a Councilman for the City of Cottonwood for several terms before seeking election as Mayor. The incumbent Mayor, Ken Hamilton, did not seek re-election, and the Mayor’s Office was up with no incumbent.
Cottonwood was struck a year ago on January 9, 2024 with a tornado. The tornado caused extensive damage to Cottonwood, including the destruction of long term Animal Clinic belonging to Dr. Bruce Wozow. The tornado damaged Cottonwood Town Hall, Cottonwood Senior Citizens Clinic, Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Station and several other businesses and residences.
Mayor James Coachman is being forced to take several trips to Birmingham for treatment. He realizes that it will take him out of Cottonwood and not be available for management of the projects that are needed to get the City of Cottonwood back to the future.
It was evident during his talk his love for the Town of Cottonwood. His resignation was James Coachman looking into the future and what was best for the residents and businesses of Cottonwood Alabama. To make Cottonwood’s future brighter and bigger.
Being the Mayor of a small town is difficult. It is hard to be innovative to attract business to a small town and attract people to shop in a small town. And without the revenue it is them hard for a small town to grow. So in great times serving as Mayor is difficult.
THANK YOU James Coachman for your service as Councilman and as Mayor. And THANK YOU for being a man, stepping up to the plate, and thinking of Cottonwood’s future.
PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES as you battle health issues.
